OICC Press Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics 2251-7235 18 5 2024 10 30 Investigation of the effect of bismuth-oxide on the X-ray and neutron shielding efficacy of the new ceramic system Bi2O3–BaO–Fe2O3–SrO–B2O3 1 9 10.57647/j.jtap.2024.1805.66 EN Bonginkosi V. Kheswa Department of Physics, University of Johannesburg, 55 Beit Street, Doornfontein, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3044-094X Siyabonga N. T. Majola Department of Physics, University of Johannesburg, 55 Beit Street, Doornfontein, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3614-7795 Journal Article 2024 10 30 X-rays and neutrons, vital in numerous industries, necessitate effective shielding to mitigate healthrisks. Traditional shielding materials like lead and concrete pose issues such as toxicity andstructural limitations. This has driven global research towards exploring non-toxic heavy metaloxide glass materials for enhanced radiation protection. This study examined the impact of Bi2O3on the radiation shielding efficiency of a glass composition (x)Bi2O3 – (20 – x)BaO – 60Fe2O3– 0.3SrO – 19.7B2O3, with x values of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol%, over the 15 to 300 keV X-rayrange. The Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC) of this glass series increased by 12%, 1.7%,and 13% in the energy ranges of 15−30 keV, 40−80 keV, and 100−300 keV, respectively, per 1mol% Bi2O3 increase. The Half Value Layer (HVT), Tenth Value Layer (TVT), and Mean FreePath (MFP) decrease by 4% per mol% of Bi2O3 at energies less than 40 keV and above 100 keV,while decreasing at a rate of 1% in the 40−100 keV region. Sample S1, without Bi2O3, exhibitedthe lowest shielding efficiency, while sample S5, with the highest Bi2O3 content, demonstrated thehighest shielding efficiency. Increasing Bi2O3 concentration notably improves X-ray shieldingefficacy, especially below 40 keV and above 100 keV.